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We’re celebrating the end of a successful year by revealing our six most-read blog posts from 2014.

These posts resonated most strongly with you based on website traffic; below is a recap of each blog, starting with the most popular article of 2014. We’ve also included links so you can revisit the posts.

Demand response programs reward commercial building owners for reducing energy usage during times when electrical grid demand is highest. Instead of generating more power to keep up with peak loads, utilities ask participating buildings to make immediate reductions to energy use when needed – whether the adjustments are automated or done manually.

Schneider Electric says that demand response programs in commercial buildings can earn back anywhere from 5% to 25% of annual electricity costs. But not only does a demand response program prevent strain on the electrical grid and reduce utility bills from electricity companies, it may also avoid brownouts and blackouts. (more…)

HVAC systems are used continuously in commercial buildings. In fact, HVAC systems account for roughly 41% of total commercial building electrical usage – almost double that of any other building system – according to Alliant Energy. (Air conditioning alone represents 45% of the total peak energy use.) This obviously increases monthly utility bills, but also presents a big opportunity for regular energy savings. (more…)

The first building to achieve the WELL Platinum Pilot Certification from the International WELL Building Institute has been identified: the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh.

This facility was also the first to meet the International Living Future Institute’s Living Building Challenge, achieving Net Zero Energy Certification. (Not to mention its LEED Platinum and Four-Stars Sustainable Sites Initiative certification.)

How did they do it? The Center for Sustainable Landscapes focused on an integrated design process that involved evaluation of end-users’ needs, along with charrettes between the project team and staff throughout the process. (more…)

Understanding how high-performance window film works and what it can offer to commercial buildings is the first step in deciding whether it will be an effective energy-efficiency option for your organization. But even after you learn about window film’s benefits, it can still be challenging to know what type will address your building’s unique requirements. (more…)